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Kristen Rucinski - Principal Linda Ferguson - Interim Assistant Principal
Gunston Gazette
Upcoming Events & Reminders
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December 23 - January 3: Winter Break - School Close
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January 6: Back to School
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January 9: Hayfield Secondary School Curriculum Night 6-7:00 p.m.
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January 13: Lake Braddock Curriculum Night 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
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January 16: South County Middle School Curriculum 6-7:30 p.m.
Principals' Message
Dear Gunston Families,
As we approach the much-anticipated winter break, we want to take a moment to wish each of you a joyful holiday season filled with laughter, love, and quality time with those who matter most. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another cherished tradition, we hope this season brings you peace and happiness.
At Gunston Elementary, we are truly grateful for the unwavering support and collaboration of our families. Your partnership makes a significant difference in the success of our students, and together, we have built a community rooted in care, learning, and growth. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue soaring to new heights together.
This break provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with your children and create lasting memories. Here are a few ideas for family fun over the holiday season:
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Enjoy the Outdoors: Take a family walk, hike, or bike ride to explore nature. Look for winter wildlife or try a scavenger hunt for seasonal treasures like pinecones or unique leaves.
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Have a Family Movie or Game Night: Cozy up with your favorite movies or pull out a board game for some friendly competition.
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Cook or Bake Together: Let your kids help in the kitchen by preparing a simple recipe or decorating cookies.
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Create and Craft: Make holiday cards, decorations, or simple crafts with items you already have at home.
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Read and Share Stories: Read a book together or share your favorite childhood memories and traditions.
These small but meaningful activities can strengthen the bonds within your family while creating cherished moments your children will carry with them forever.
Interim reports will only be sent home for students whose teachers wish to highlight specific areas for growth or progress. These reports are an important tool to ensure open communication between home and school, and they include information about supports already in place. Please rest assured that we value your partnership and encourage you to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher at any time if you have questions or would like to discuss your child’s progress further. The classroom teachers will continue to share monthly newsletters about the curriculum your children will be engaging in each month.
As we close out this year, let us embrace the opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges we’ve experienced, learn from them, and prepare for an amazing year ahead. Thank you for being such an integral part of our Gunston family.
Wishing you a safe, joyful, and restful winter break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in January to continue our journey of growing, learning, and soaring together!
Warm regards,
Ms. Rucinski and Ms. Ferguson
 Community Boundary Review Meetings
Comprehensive Boundary Review Update
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:
- Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
. Language interpretation will be available.
All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.
Update Contact Info in ParentVUE
❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings
Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.
🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year.
Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.
Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage
Family Resource Center Webinars
and FCPS Family Academy
🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families
In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:
Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.
Upcoming Family Academy Events
You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation Public Hearing
📣 Sign Up and Speak Out: Fairfax County’s Pre-2025 Session Public Hearing
The Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2025 session on Saturday, January 4, at 9 a.m., in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center.
As Fairfax County residents, you may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing and let the delegation know what matters most to you. To participate, register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) by noon on Thursday, January 2. Find additional guidelines for speaking at the public forum on the Fairfax County Government website.
Student and Family Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures
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